From household ovens to commercial kitchens, it’s important to use the right sealant on high heat appliances. A good hi-temp sealant that you like and know how to use is an important part of any kitchen installation or remodel.

Whether you’re constantly working on kitchens or it’s just one of the many types of projects you’ll take, it’s a good idea to understand how to use heat resistant sealants around ovens and other high temperature appliances.

Choosing a Heat Resistant Adhesive for Ovens

When it comes to heat-resistant adhesives, silicone sealant a great option because it is flexible and durable. In addition to resisting damage due to high temperatures and temperature fluctuations, silicone also withstands changes in humidity and pressure, which makes it a popular choice for environments that experience a lot of day-to-day changes like kitchens.

As with any material that comes into regular contact with food, it’s important to make sure the silicone sealant you’re using is food safe. If you’re unsure about a specific high-temperature product and whether it’s safe for food contact areas, call the company’s customer service line to check.

Quality sealant that offers the best results might last for several years or more, making the investment in a quality product worth it. From waterproofing to adding a beautiful finishing touch on an installation, it’s worthwhile to choose a sealant that is both easy to apply and easy to maintain. You may want to consider what cleaners are commonly used in this kitchen and whether those chemicals could impact the structural integrity of your seals.

Why Good Oven Sealant Is Important

The quality of the sealant you use on an oven can impact how long it takes to preheat and how well it holds heat throughout the cooking process. A weak seal can lead to heat loss, making food bake unevenly or take way longer than expected.

A weak seal can also impact energy efficiency, as an oven that is leaking heat will use more energy to get up to and maintain the set cooking temperature. While a day or two between when your client notices a leak and gets the repair done may not make a huge difference in their energy usage, over the course of weeks or months it can add up to a significant expense.

Application of Heat Resistant Sealant

Before you get started, make sure you’ve gathered all your equipment. Exactly what you need may vary from project to project, but some good basics to gather each time include your sealant, a caulking gun, gloves, any shaping tools you like to use, and fans or open windows to ensure adequate ventilation.

Prepare Your Surfaces

Before you even open your sealant, make sure the surfaces you’re sealant are clean and dry. Any excess moisture or dust on the surface can impact how well the seal adheres, impacting the seal quality and appearance. This is also a good time to apply tape around the area you are sealing, which makes it easier to get nice, clean lines around the seal.

Apply Your Sealant

Cut your silicone sealant’s nozzle to an appropriate size for the silicone bead you are going for. When in doubt, start smaller – it’s way easier to make the opening larger than to try to manage excess sealant from too large of a hole. Starting at one end of the surfaces you’re sealing, slowly apply pressure with your hands or a caulking gun to the silicone sealant tube. Keeping this pressure consistent can help ensure an even bead across the gap.

Smooth Your Sealant

Once your sealant is applied, you’ll want to smooth your sealant. Caulking spatulas are great to have on hand to ensure a precise, even finish, but you can smooth silicone sealant with your finger in a pinch.

Allow Your Sealant to Cure

Even though silicone sealant will usually dry within an hour, curing can take about 24 hours. Carefully read the instructions on the product you are using in order to determine when curing is complete. Once the sealant is cured, it’s time to clean up your workspace and congratulate yourself on a job well done.

Add Hi-Temp Silicone Sealant to Your Toolkit

If you have any questions about adding hi-temp silicone sealant to your toolkit, give us a call at 812-824-8000. Our team of silicone sealant experts is available to help you with any questions you have so you can always have the right supplies on hand for your next project.